This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

Understanding of role and responsibilities of self and other workers within the organisation

Organisation policies and procedures as listed in the Range Statement

Agency role agency target group

Issues affecting the client group

Understanding relevant terminology related to the sector

Awareness and understanding of issues relating to work in the sector

Stigma prejudice and common stereotypes relating to client issues

Culture of service provision in the sector

Relevant policy regulatory legislative and legal requirements relating to service provision

Appropriate protocols and cultural systems relevant to work area

Theories and methodologies related to work in the sector

Child protection mental health and AOD issues as they relate to work in the sector

Working with individuals and groups

Motivational interviewing techniques

Service role and target groups

Related agencies and referral procedures used by the organisation

Awareness of own biases and beliefs

Ethical obligations re helping relations confidentiality

Rights of workers and clients

Principles and practices of duty of care

Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Knowledge specific to working with people at risk of selfharm

Relationships between service providers

Relevant systemsnetworks in the local area

Statutory requirements

Where clients have mental health issues the following specific knowledge is required

community correctional orders and mental health issues

mental health promotion

signs and symptoms of major mental illness

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Where clients have mental health issues the following specific knowledge is required contd

impact of mental illness andor psychiatric disability on selfesteem motivation daily living skills

common medications for mental illness and their side effects

psychosocial treatment approaches

psychiatric disability

basic understanding of psychosocial rehabilitation processes

basic understanding of the range of clinical treatment and support services

Where clients have housing issues the following knowledge is required

understanding of language used in the community housing sector

awareness of housing issues

relationships between service providers

community housing systemsnetworks in the local area

culture of community housing provision

policy regulatory legislative and legal requirements including

residential tenancy acts or equivalent

Privacy Act

legislation underpinning the principles of equal opportunity

Freedom of Information Act

Individual rights

National Housing Policy

National Housing Service Standards

Disability Services Acts and standards

Where clients have AOD issues the following knowledge is required

first aid certification or equivalent skills as per unit HLTFAB Apply first aid including cardio pulmonary resuscitation CPR bandaging managing toxic substances managing bleeding managing broken bones managing consciousness managing choking and knowledge of coma positions

first aid certification or equivalent skills (as per unit HLTFA301B Apply first aid) including cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bandaging, managing toxic substances, managing bleeding, managing broken bones, managing consciousness, managing choking and knowledge of coma positions

working with a range of different clients with AOD issues

conducting work role within established plans procedures or programs

range of AOD specific services delivered by the organisation

AOD use general effects on body systems and their functions and general social and psychological effects

drugssubstances most commonly used in local area

relationship between suicide and AOD use

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Effectively provide support to clients within organisation procedures

Facilitate exploration of issues

Establish role definitions

Identify and work constructively with conflict and resistance

Monitor own positions and reactions

Clarify differences in perception

Demonstrate problem exploration within a proactive framework

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to

Apply strategies for selfprotection and self care

Apply strategies for dealing with aggressive or distressed people

Demonstrate a nonjudgemental approach to working with people

Devise and develop tasks to help clients understanding and problem solving efforts

Demonstrate constructive use of personal and professional authority and influence to support or confront

Demonstrate application of skills in

establishing rapport

effective active listening including questioning

interpretation of verbal and nonverbal communication

conflict resolution

problem solving

interpersonal relationship

networking and liaison with other services

crisis situation responses

report writing

supportive counselling

goal clarification

working with conflict resistance and levels of risk

empathy engagement and rapport building

communicating interest respect and concern

articulating clearly boundaries of own role

recognising signs and triggers for dependency

Maintain documentation as required including effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety OHS guidelines

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider particular requirements of support provision delivered in the workplace

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include access to relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

Method of assessment

Assessment may include observations questioning or evidence gathered from the workplace

Clients include:

The contexts of working with clients include:

Organisation policies and procedures may include:

Establish a working relationship will be carried out within requirements established by:

Work with clients may:

Needs may include:

Appropriate communication and relationship building processes may include:

Possibilities and options for responding to client needs may include:

Respond to clients in distress and crisis will include:

Services should promote the client's independence and abilities and take into account their:

Client service processes may be informal and/or formal and may include:

Work with clients may occur in any environment including:

Supervisors and/or colleagues may include:

Assistance may be sought from:

Other services may include: